Rulani Mokwena explains why Sipho Mbule chose Orlando Pirates

Pyramids FC coach Rulani Mokwena says he advised Sipho Mbule to join Orlando Pirates after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns because the midfielder’s style suited the club and its supporters.

Mbule, 28, moved to the Buccaneers before their treble-winning season and made a significant contribution, particularly during the first half of the campaign. He played 23 matches before leaving ahead of the 2026/27 season to join Zakho SC in Iraq.

Mbule previously said he had spoken to several former coaches, including Mokwena, about his next move after departing Sundowns. Speaking at an online press conference with the South African Football Journalists Association, Mokwena explained why he recommended Pirates.

“I grew up in Orlando West, I grew up watching Orlando Pirates as a kid,” Mokwena said. “I’m fortunate enough to understand the culture of the club and the history of the club. I am fortunate enough that I spent many years being educated about the club by Dr. Koza.”

He said Pirates had traditionally valued players capable of entertaining supporters, adding that his experience of coaching at the club had strengthened his understanding of those expectations.

At Orlando Amstel Arena, formerly Orlando Stadium, Mokwena recalled a section of the grandstand associated with players such as Steve Lekolea, Thabo Rakhale, Khethokwakhe Masuku and Thabo Qalinge.

“I know the type of player that Pirates appreciates,” he said. “The players that are appreciated at Kaizer Chiefs are quite different. The players that are appreciated culturally at Mamelodi Sundowns are quite different, and the players that are appreciated at Orlando Pirates have a different type of profile.”

Mokwena believes Mbule matched that profile, describing the midfielder as someone who could provide the entertainment Pirates fans expected.

“First is, you have to give us a show. We pay to come and watch,” he said, referring to the club’s supporters.

He cited former Pirates players including Bazooka Seshweni, John Moeti, Dumisa Ngobe, Gavin Lane, Gerald Raphahlela and Mark Fish as important figures in the club’s history. However, he said fans were particularly drawn to players such as Steve Lekolea, Teko Modise and Mbule, who could “caress the ball”.

Mokwena also mentioned Tebogo Moloi and Jomo Sono, recalling the famous image of Sono standing on the ball against Kaizer Chiefs.

He added that players with Mbule’s ability to bring entertainment to matches could feel more comfortable at Pirates than at clubs where that quality was less central.

Mokwena said Mbule’s decision had also been justified by his performances, particularly early in the season.

“Some of the games that Sipho played in the earlier parts of the season were so important,” he said. “The results helped Orlando Pirates not lose the league and stay in the championship until the end.”

Mokwena said Mbule had not told him that Kaizer Chiefs had made an offer and had asked only for his view on joining Pirates. He stressed that Mbule ultimately made the decision himself, but believes it was the right one in retrospect.